Born on February 25, 1968, Oumou Sangaré is a renowned Malian singer with ancestral roots in the Fulani community. Known as “The Songbird of Wassoulou”, she hails from the region south of the Niger River, where traditional music is deeply rooted and often features the accompaniment of a calabash.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Oumou Sangaré |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Bamako, Mali |
| Nationality | Malian |
| Spouse | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | One son |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, entrepreneur |
| Labels | World Circuit, others |
Early Life and Education
Sangaré was born in 1968 to singer Aminata Diakité and Sidiki Sangaré, both hailing from the Wassoulou region. In 1970, her father took a second wife and relocated to Abidjan, leaving Sangaré, her mother, and siblings in Bamako.
To support her family, Sangaré began singing in the streets, eventually leaving school at a young age. Her musical journey commenced in 1973 when, at just five years old, she triumphed in an inter-kindergarten singing contest in Bamako, showcasing her talent to a large audience at the Omnisport stadium.
By the age of 16, she embarked on a tour with the percussion group Djoliba, traveling to countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the Caribbean. Encouraged by the positive reception during her tour, Sangaré returned to Bamako and founded her own musical ensemble.
Career
Having recorded her debut album, Moussoulou (“Women”), with Malian music maestro Amadou Ba Guindo, Oumou Sangaré achieved significant success in Africa with over 200,000 copies sold.
Signing with the English label World Circuit, Sangaré collaborated with Ali Farka Touré for a re-release of Moussoulou, propelling her to stardom by the age of 21. As a revered ambassador of Wassoulou, Sangaré’s music draws inspiration from the region’s traditional sounds and dances, often conveying social critiques, particularly regarding women’s societal standing.
Throughout the years, Sangaré has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including the Melbourne Opera, WOMAD, and the Oslo World Music Festival, showcasing her poignant songs that touch on themes such as love, marriage, and women’s rights.
Her advocacy for female empowerment has garnered recognition, earning her accolades like the UNESCO Prize in 2001 and a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters of France in 1998. Sangaré’s diverse talents have also extended to the realm of film, with her acting debut in Maïmouna Doucouré’s Hawa in 2022.
Additionally, her powerful vocals can be heard on collaborations like “Imagine” from Herbie Hancock’s The Imagine Project, where she joined forces with renowned artists such as Seal, P!nk, and Jeff Beck.
Oumou Sangaré’s multifaceted artistry continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her legacy as a musical force and advocate for social change.
Personal Life
Oumou Sangaré’s personal life reflects her values and commitments. She is married, although her husband’s identity remains private.
Together, they have one son, who she balances touring and family life with. Sangaré emphasizes the importance of equality in marriage, advocating for monogamous relationships where both partners share responsibilities in parenting and household duties.
Oumou Sangaré shares a sibling bond with Polish-born actor Omar Sangare, being his half-sister.
She actively promotes women’s rights, opposing practices like child marriage and polygamy, and uses her platform to inspire change in societal norms regarding gender roles.
Oumou Sangaré Net Worth
Oumou Sangaré’s current net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth stems from her successful music career, which includes numerous albums and international tours, as well as her entrepreneurial ventures in hospitality and automobile importation.
Discography
Solo albums:
- Moussolou (1990)
- Ko Sira (1993) [released as Bi Furu in Mali]
- Worotan (1996), Nonesuch/Warner Music [released as Denw in Mali]
- Laban (2001)
- Oumou (2003)
- Seya (2009)
- Mogoya (2017)
- Acoustic (2020)
- Timbuktu (2022)
Contributing artist:
- The Rough Guide to World Music (1994), World Music Network
- The Rough Guide to West African Music (1995), World Music Network
- Unwired: Africa (2000), World Music Network
- Mood 4 Eva (2019), The Lion King: The Gift
Awards and Nominations
IMC-UNESCO International Music Prize (2001, performers category, jointly awarded to Gidon Kremer) for her contribution to “the enrichment and the development of music as well as for the cause of peace, for the understanding among peoples and international cooperation”.
On 16 October 2003, Sangaré was named Goodwill Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
In 2010, Sangaré’s album Seya was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
In 2011, Sangaré won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals, with Herbie Hancock, Pink, India Arie, Seal, Konono Nº1 and Jeff Beck, for ‘Imagine’.
In October 2017, Sangaré won the Artist Award at WOMEX 2017 in recognition of her music and for her advocacy for women’s rights.
In 2024 she was awarded the Rolf Schock Prize.
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